“It’s difficult to talk about yourself. I had imagined myself as a writer, but in the 1990s my parents decided for me who I would be in the future. I had a talent for drawing. That’s why it was decided that I should prepare for the Academy. That’s how I ended up in the Textiles Faculty. I wanted graphics, but one “kind adviser” told my parents that textiles were ideal for a woman. I protested for a long time, but I couldn’t decide to change faculties. My relationship with textiles ended as soon as I finished my postgraduate studies. Then I had a long break. I didn’t consider myself an artist, not for anything… After a 20-year break I got a job as an artist and it was as if I came alive. I paint realistic portraits. I haven’t had a personal exhibition. Piece by piece—group exhibitions. That’s all… I am a living artist, even though I’m not creative—still, that’s happiness.”